Airbus rolled out its A340-600 quad on 23 March, as Khalifa Airways placed orders for three of its smaller, ultra-long range sister model, the -500. The order was part of a deal by the Algerian carrier for 18 Airbus aircraft, and includes five A330-200s and 10 A320s, for delivery from 2004. Meanwhile, the Rolls-Royce Trent 500-powered A340-600 is due for its first flight in late April and service entry with Virgin Atlantic in June 2002. Total -600 orders are 48 with those of the A340-500 standing at 26.
Source: Flight International
